At the hospital, Donovan Sheridan had just gotten crushed in a mobile game. He put his phone away, only for Chester Sawyer to pull him into a heart-to-heart.
"Uncle, I've been gone for almost two days. Why isn't my dad looking for me? Does he really not love me?"
"Why do adults love to lie to kids? First, they tricked me out of my lucky money, and now they won't buy me a Mercedes-Benz."
"No calls, no texts… Does he just want me to fend for myself out here?"
…
"Tell me, I'm so exceptional, so why is he always so strict with me? Aren't I a breath of fresh air among the rich second-generation kids? Why isn't he looking for me?"
Donovan Sheridan was going insane!
'You were just lecturing me in that paternal tone a minute ago, so what the hell is this now?'
'Suddenly, he's playing the part of a poor, innocent victim.'
He was just like one of those teenagers who seem free-spirited and rebellious on the surface but have a sensitive, fragile side.
But he was just a kid, after all. So, Donovan Sheridan began to comfort and reason with him, essentially just telling him that his parents loved him and that he shouldn't let his imagination run wild.
Donovan Sheridan was utterly worn out by the end of the night. He'd had to chat with the kid, play games with him, and even be his counselor. He was considered a key young physician, wasn't he? How had he been reduced to a professional companion?
**
「The next day」
Sydney Sawyer got a call from Edwin Sawyer first thing in the morning, who was just asking if Chester was causing her any trouble.
"Chester is behaving himself. You can rest assured."
"The college entrance exams are coming up. His admission ticket and a lot of his books are at school. They're clearing out the classrooms because the school is being used as an exam site, and his teacher made a special call about it. Have him find time to go back and get his stuff."
Sydney Sawyer mentally noted everything down.
"Don't spoil him. That kid will walk all over you if you give him an inch. He nearly drove me mad last time."
"He said you were discussing the matter between me and Andrea Wyatt?" Sydney Sawyer asked.
Edwin Sawyer coughed a couple of times. "You've spent the last few days with him. Does he seem like the type of person who can have a civil discussion? It was a complete personal attack. No wonder he got kicked off the school debate team back then."
"The debate team?"
"His teacher said he didn't go up on stage to debate, but to pick fights. He even made one of the girls on the opposing team cry."
Sydney Sawyer stifled a laugh.
Just before they hung up, Edwin Sawyer seemed to hesitate for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Syd, I admit I had my own selfish reasons for trying to match you with Andrea Wyatt. After arguing with Chester that night, I did a lot of thinking… The decision for something like this is ultimately yours. I'm just offering a possible direction; I won't force you."
Sydney Sawyer nodded. "I understand."
…
She had to make breakfast, go to the hospital, and help Sebastian Lockwood get new glasses. After hanging up, she hurried to her feet, casually gathered her hair, and started making porridge and some side dishes.
When Sebastian Lockwood got out of bed and pushed open his door, he was immediately greeted by the aroma of rice porridge.
"You're up?" Sydney Sawyer smiled at him. "Breakfast will be ready in a minute."
"Yeah."
She was wearing a warm pink linen-blend dress and an apron, her hair tied up in a bun. The semi-open kitchen filled the entire apartment with the fragrant scent of rice.
Timmy Lockwood circled her feet, meowing and waiting for a chance to beg for food. The scene created a subtle, heart-warming feeling.
'Living with her in the future… it would feel…'
'It would probably be very nice.'
Sebastian Lockwood rolled up his sleeves and walked over. "Anything I can help with?"
"It's fine. Your eyes aren't great right now, so you should just go sit on the couch."
"…"
Sebastian Lockwood stood behind her without leaving, just watching. Sydney Sawyer was mixing a side dish with various seasonings, and his gaze made her a little nervous.
"This dish looks good," Sebastian Lockwood said, leaning in for a closer look.
"I seasoned it to my own taste, so I'm not sure if you'll like it. Want to try a bite?"
"Sure."
As soon as he said that, he fluidly took the chopsticks from her hand, picked up a small piece, and popped it into his mouth.
Sydney Sawyer stared at him, her heart a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
"Syd," Sebastian Lockwood said after he'd eaten, turning his head to look at her.
"Yes?"
"It's a little sweet—"
'Sweet?'
'How could it be?'
Sydney Sawyer frowned, a little skeptical.
"Why don't you try it for yourself?"
As he spoke, Sebastian Lockwood picked up another piece of the side dish with the chopsticks and held it to her lips. At that moment, Sydney Sawyer wasn't overthinking it; her mind was entirely focused on what could have gone wrong with her cooking.
She opened her mouth and took the bite.
But the instant she bit down, her mind went completely blank.
His words and actions had been so natural and fluid that Sydney Sawyer hadn't thought anything of it. It was only after the fact that she realized…
He had just used those chopsticks!
Instantly, her face grew hot. A blush started at the tips of her ears and slowly spread down her neck until her whole body felt like it was on fire.
Not only had she used Sebastian Lockwood's chopsticks, but he had personally fed her the bite.
"So?" Sebastian Lockwood was tall. He propped one hand on the counter, bringing himself down to her eye level. Holding the chopsticks in his other hand, he tilted his head to look at her.
He wasn't wearing his glasses, so his eyes were slightly narrowed, a smile playing in them. The natural upward tilt at the corners of his eyes gave him an inherently charming and flirtatious look.
"I guess… it is a little sweet."
At that moment, Sydney Sawyer's taste buds seemed to have malfunctioned. A lingering warmth spread from her lips, and she couldn't taste the dish at all. All she knew was that her heart was fluttering, bubbling over with sweetness.
"Alright, you finish up breakfast. I'm going to go home and change, then I'll go to the hospital with you."
Sydney Sawyer added some more seasoning to the side dish. When Sebastian Lockwood came back, he said he'd found a spare pair of glasses at his place. He only had a bowl of porridge for breakfast, and Sydney just took a few quick bites herself before they packed up the rest of the porridge and the side dish and hurried to the hospital.
**
「At the hospital」
After they arrived, Sebastian Lockwood escorted Sydney Sawyer to the hospital room before he and Donovan Sheridan left in a hurry, saying they had to go to a meeting.
"Mr. Shaw, have some breakfast before you go. I made it myself."
"Can't, the meeting is urgent," Donovan Sheridan said before leaving.
Chester Sawyer just smiled. "Mr. Shaw has no luck when it comes to food. Oh well, that just means more for me."
Breakfast from his sister, made with love. Chester was filled with anticipation.
He took a sip of the porridge. It was warm and comforting, utterly satisfying. But when he took a bite of the side dish, it nearly sent him to an early grave!
It was painfully salty! Did she dump the entire salt shaker in here?